Solar pool covers can help extend the swimming season. But how do you exactly use them? This article answers this and other burning questions about solar covers below.
I have tried different types of pool covers and found that solar covers are among the best ones. They can trap heat in the pool so that you can comfortably swim, even during the off-season. They can also save you energy and money in swimming pool maintenance, making them a popular choice among pool owners.
Are you thinking about purchasing a solar cover? Or do you already own one and are entirely clueless about using it? Fret not; this article got you covered (pun intended)!
Below, I will discuss how to use or install a solar cover, how to get the proper size, and other frequently asked questions.
Let us get on with it!
What Is a Solar Pool Cover?
If you are reading this article, you are probably already thinking about buying a solar pool cover. But if not, this post will guide you on essential facts about this type of cover—starting with its definition.
Solar pool covers, also referred to as solar blankets, feature layers of UV-resistant plastic. They have one smooth side and one full of tiny bubbles, similar to bubble wrap. This unique construction can prevent heat from escaping to maintain the pool temperature. The solid plastic layer also protects the pool against dust and debris.
Overall, a solar cover can ultimately keep the water comfortable and clean for swimming.
How Does a Solar Pool Cover Work?
A solar pool cover lies on top of your above-ground or in-ground pool. It produces a barrier between the water’s surface and the air in the atmosphere. Thus, it prevents heat from escaping the pool and keeps it warm for comfortable swimming.
However, you are probably wondering if you still need a solar cover during the summer. After all, you already get warm pool water because of the sun’s rays. And if you own a pool heater, you can rely on this equipment to increase the water temperature.
While it is true that solar power and heater can provide heat to your pool, they cannot maintain the ideal water temperature. Evaporation is also a common problem, which leads to heat escaping. Fortunately, solar covers can contain heat and increase water temperature faster.
What Are the Benefits of a Solar Pool Cover?
As you probably already know, the main advantage of solar pool covers is their capability to maintain the water temperature. Thus, it provides a comfortable swimming experience throughout the year.
Another benefit of using a solar pool cover is the decrease in your electric and water bills. It can keep heat in the pool to minimize water heater use, which runs on electricity. At the same time, it reduces the amount of evaporation, so you do not need to add water to your pool as often.
Solar pool covers also ensure energy efficiency. They conserve solar heat to reduce the need to operate a pool heater.
Furthermore, solar covers cut down on chemical use. That is because less water evaporation allows you to avoid regularly putting pool chemicals in the pool.
Finally, solar pool covers have a solid plastic layer. They can prevent debris from entering the pool and keep the water clean.
How To Use Solar Pool Cover
Solar pool covers are available in three types: a blanket, solar ring, and liquid. Each kind of cover is relatively easy to use, but it requires different installation methods from one another.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use each type of solar cover.
How To Install a Solar Blanket?
When talking about solar pool covers, the first image in your mind is probably a solid plastic layer that looks similar to bubble wrap.
The solar blanket is the most popular type of solar pool cover, and the two terms are often interchangeable.
The first step if you want to use a solar pool blanket is to buy the correct size. New pool users might find pool cover sizing difficult, so I will discuss this step further below. But when in doubt, choose a slightly larger size than your pool.
Next, unroll the solar pool blanket on top of your pool. Install it with the bubbles downward or facing the swimming pool.
If the blanket does not perfectly fit the pool, you can cut it. Get a pair of heavy-duty scissors to trim any excess plastic surface. Ensure the blanket fully covers your pool to maintain the solar heat you can get during a sunny day.
Finally, you can push the cut sides of the blanket to the pool edges. Use a pool brush to make the task easier. Doing so can remove the air bubbles underneath for a smoother surface.
You can buy a solar pool cover reel if you have extra money. You will find installing and removing the blanket easier with this equipment.
How To Use a Solar Ring?
Solar rings are similar to blanket covers. The only difference is that they are broken up into smaller circles or rings, hence the name.
Unlike solar blankets, solar rings do not cover your entire pool water surface. As such, you will need several sun rings to enclose the whole swimming pool water.
After buying enough rings for your pool, start filling each solar ring with air. It is best to use a balloon pump, so you can quickly inflate them.
Once done, you can lock these solar covers together. You can connect a solar ring to another using the built-in magnets on each one.
Ensure these solar covers are secure before placing them in your inground or above-ground pool. Doing so prevents them from floating aimlessly in the water.
If you want to swim, simply pull one ring out of the pool, and you can expect the others to follow. Unlock the magnets to disconnect the solar rings from one another. Finally, stack them when not in use.
How To Use a Liquid Solar Cover?
Both solar cover blankets and solar rings can effectively retain solar heat in your swimming pool by preventing evaporation. Furthermore, these covers trap heat from the sun to save money in solar pool heaters. However, they tend to be difficult to install and remove from your swimming pool.
A liquid solar cover is a great alternative to traditional solid pool covers. It is a chemical solution that forms an invisible layer on the water’s surface. It can reduce evaporation, ultimately minimizing water and heat loss from the sun. Plus, it is non-toxic, so you can safely swim in the pool.
A liquid solar cover is also easy to use.
First, read the product instructions to determine how much liquid to add to your pool. In general, you put four ounces of the solution for every 20,000 gallons of water.
Pour the liquid into a bottle. Then, shake it to ensure the solution is mixed correctly.
Next, add the liquid solar cover to the pool. You can pour it into a skimmer or directly into the pool water.
Now, it is time to run your pool pump. Doing so will help circulate the chemicals throughout the water for the best results.
Finally, do not forget to repeat these steps every one to two weeks. That is because liquid solar pool covers are biodegradable and break down eventually.
You might also want to clean your pool more often since it does not keep debris out of the water.
How to Size Your Solar Blanket Cover?
Solar blanket covers are available in different shapes, such as rectangular, round, and oval, to fit your swimming pool. Each shape comes in standard sizes.
Before you purchase one, it is essential to determine the surface area of your pool to achieve the proper solar cover size. Measure the length and width if you own a rectangular pool. Those with round or oval pools must calculate the radius.
Find a solar heat cover that matches the dimensions of your swimming pool. If you cannot find an exact size, go for a larger cover. Then, cut its edges to fit your entire pool surface.
How to Store Solar Pool Covers
You will need to remove and store the solar blanket if you want to swim in your inground or above-ground pool.
You can manually do this by picking up one end of the cover. With the help of another person, fold the blanket over itself in sections of three or four feet. Continue turning it over until you reach the opposite end of the swimming pool. Then, carry the folded blanket to the pool deck. You can place a protective sheet over the cover.
Install a solar reel at the base of your inground pool if you do not want to exert manual effort. You will enjoy easier application and removal of the cover with this solar cover reel.
When storing away the solar cover for good, ensure it is clean. You can hose it down or brush the surface. Finally, choose a cool and well-ventilated place to store the cover.
When To Use a Solar Cover for Your Swimming Pool?
You can use a solar pool cover if you do not swim in the pool. It is best to use the blanket at nighttime because the lower temperatures can make your swimming pool colder. However, you can also keep the solar cover on during the day if you are not swimming. Doing so can further heat up the pool and retain its water level.
Should I Cover My Entire Swimming Pool?
You must cover the entire pool surface with the solar blanket to enjoy its full benefits. Ensure the cover is touching the inside edge, so the pool’s heat cannot escape. However, it is difficult to do since you will need to cut the blanket to the exact pool dimensions. That is why most pool users just hang the excess fabric onto the pool deck. Then, they secure it with heavy weights.
Conclusion
Solar pool covers can keep your pool warm and prevent evaporation, ultimately extending the swimming season. However, they come in different types, sizes, and shapes, with each one requiring a different installation method. It is important to learn their proper use if you want to take advantage of their benefits.
I hope this article gave you insight into how to do this. If you find it informative, feel free to share it with other pool owners!
